Suncor Energy receives PAR Silver level certification

Suncor Energy has been awarded a Silver level certificate for Progressive Aboriginal Relations from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. PAR is the only certification program of its kind focusing on Aboriginal relations best practices. The process leading up to the award included Aboriginal stakeholder reviews and an independent assessment in the areas of employment, business development, community investment, and community engagement. Suncor says its strong commitment to Aboriginal benefits of industry development is demonstrated through a dedicated Aboriginal relations team that works closely with local communities and is guided by a written Canadian Aboriginal relations policy that is available in both Cree and Dene audio files. In 2013, the company spent more than $431 million with Aboriginal businesses bringing the total spend to almost $2.5 billion since 1999. It maintains relationships with over 150 Native groups across Canada. Last year, Suncor Energy Foundation helped launch the Indspire Institute, a new online meeting place and resource for those engaged in Aboriginal education in the K-12 grades. “The Silver level designation recognizes our solid performance,” said Suncor CEO and president, Steve Williams, in a news release. “It also points to areas where we know we can improve. One of the benefits of being in the PAR community is that we can make these improvements while collaborating with our peers and the CCAB.”